Wren is a girl who turns into animals, yeah, sounds cheesy, but is was actually very good. If this doesn't interest you, try Court Duel, that'll do it.

Sherwood Smith rules!

I love Wren and her friends, these books by Sherwood Smith are great to read and entertaining. Every teenage fantasy female fantatic I know has read these books by Sherwood Smith (mostly CROWN DUEL and COURT DUEL) and all of them fell in love with her spunky characters, and the romance was beautiful and romanctic also, not thrown in like someother books.

More authors need to write great and wonderful books like this author.

This was one of the best books that I ever read. Sherwood Smith is an incredible writer with great talent. Wren's War is an exciting ending to the Wren series. I hope that the author will write another book to conclude what happens! (The ending is VERY good but I'd like to have more info on what happens.) This book focuses on all four of the main caracters. Not just Wren and Connor. The plot grows quickly and I wasn't able to put the book down. [I read it in one day.] ^_~ I love this book and if you've read any of Smith's other books, I suggest that you read this book. And, if you enjoyed the Alanna series by Tomora Pierce (spelling?) I think you'll adore this book. Later! Now get going and buy/ read this book! (It's worth every cent.)~.^ Sailor ClearMoon

One of the biggest hazards of a multi-volume novel is an ending that fails to deliver on the promise built up in earlier books. Have no fear in this case -- Smith and Trowbridge bring together all the elements of this richly textured milleu to deliver a slam-bang conclusion that simultaneously ties it off in a satisfying way and leaves open the possibility of future novels set in this fascinating universe.

Do not pass up this great novel -- and lets hope that the publishers get their wits about them and start buying more works by these phenomenal authors!

I just finished reading it for the fifth time, and it just gets deeper and more profound and more exciting and better.

It is the very best space adventure ever, so why did the IDIOT publishers make it impossible for people I recommend it to to find? Who could be so stupid?

The main thrust of the plot from the previous books is completed, but a new storyline is opened. I was prepared to be frustrated by this book when the name was changed from what was listed at the end of the previous book, but it turned out very well. The plots are resolved, and the fate of the attack by Dol'jhar on the Thousand Suns is revealed. Two personal and one general plots are started at the end, however, and I would clearly expect new novels to follow. The grand style that requires careful reading for full effect continues here, and the careful character development is still a joy to read

A series of five books, engagingly written and complex in depth and scope. Allthough difficult to understand, at first, some of the terminology, the depth and construction makes them a very worthwhile read. ALAS - the publisher printed very few of the series, and only ran a /single/ printing of the fourth book - making it impossible to find. They were published by Tor, which seems to have that habit.

I first read about the universe in which Exordium is set in in an anthology of science fiction stories called A Starfarer's Dozen. The name of the short story was "Suraki" and i absolutely loved it, and wanted to read more, but the books are IMPOSSIBLE to find! What the heck is going on??

This book is a well-written step-by-step map to gaining control over IS/IT costs and strategic planning.

The core of the approach is active benefit realization (ABR), which is a continuous assessment and management methodology that is characterized by: (1) self-calibration/continuous improvement, (2) IS/IT management by all stakeholders (technical and business), and comprehensive understanding of IS/IT and how it supports business functions and processes.

ABR is immediately introduced in the beginning of the book, as well as why the approach is critical to fully integrating IS/IT into the enterprise as a business enabler. The next part of the book discusses key factors for evaluating information systems. This part is rich with checklists, tables and other useful artifacts. Building upon this foundation is excellent material on evaluation techniques, outcomes and benefit modelling (taking an investment-oriented approach that is one of the best applications and services portfolio management approaches I have come across), and the details of micro modelling (the devil, they say, is in the details!)

Once the foundation has been built the book presents the ABR approach as a process. In simplistic terms this process entails three phases: (1) Setting the course (capturing and understanding the business, financial and project views), (2) Formative evaluation (stakeholder management of the project - this approach is nearly identical to the approach prescribed by PRINCE2, which is the U.K. project management standard), (3) Moving forward (continuous improvement and calibration. In other words, consolidating gains and improving upon them in a methodical manner.) The last part of the book is a collection of tips, tricks and traps - this is essential reading and contains the collective wisdom of the authors. Heed every word because there are some real gems here.

I learned a lot from the book, including many standalone techniques for analysis, evaluation and financial assessment that I can use on other projects. As a whole, the approach embodied in ABR is sound and one that I will use on my next engagement that requires an in-depth analysis and formulation of a strategy, assuming of course, that the next client has a strong commitment to follow the course of action set forth in the book. The benefits of ABR certainly will provide a handsome return on the investment and commitment required to make it a success. This book is invaluable and highly recommended for consultants, CIOs and upper IS/IT management. It is also highly recommended for any project team operating under PRINCE2.

For years I have been searching for the "right" method with which to measure IT costs and benefits. In my quest I have come close with a few well-written white papers that fell short because they didn't go deep enough. This book ends my quest - finally, I have found the "right" method.

The authors start with a chapter on the elusive nature of IT benefits, and the difficulties of measuring and managing them. This chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of the book. One nugget of valuable information given here is the recommendation that IT be run based on P&L (profit and loss). Because IT is traditionally operated as a cost center instead of a profit center I first thought that this was overly radical. However, as I dug deeper I understood the true intent: to tie together investment, value and economics, and measure IT investments based on their derived value to the business. This is where profit comes in. It initially looked like thinly disguised cost/benefit, but the expansion of this concept as the book unfolds makes it look like a true P&L approach.

Chapter two focuses on reasons to evaluate IT investments, and gives a number of approaches to perform evaluations. It covers the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and also discusses some of the pitfalls of benefit evaluation. This material segues into chapter three, which covers the investment decision process. The authors did a good job of explaining this from an IT perspective, and ties it closely to meeting business requirements.

The next chapter discusses the issues associated with, and the techniques used, to perform the IT evaluation. This is where the book gets interesting and a coherent method for measuring IT costs takes shape. What I liked most about this chapter is the list of possible techniques you can employ and how the authors classified techniques based on relative strengths such as objective vs. subjective, etc. This allows you to select the best approach based on the degree of precision you are willing to accept and your goals.

Chapter five, identification of IT costs, is about what we all struggle with: identifying total costs of ownership, finding the "buckets" into with to place the costs, and the cost drivers themselves. The costs are divided into direct and indirect cost portfolios, and the cost breakdowns for each portfolio are comprehensive. This material is valuable and will lend itself nicely to a number of approaches, among them activity-based cost management. Chapter six, IT Cost Control, shows you how to manage the costs that you identify and is a good primer on IT budget management for those who find themselves in a new management position.

IT Business Case Accounting, the topic in chapter seven, presents a straightforward approach to building your business case for IT investments. This is "must" reading for IT management and consultants. Chapter eight, Risk Analysis, is standard fare if you are familiar with these techniques. It is covered completely and provides a solid foundation in the science of identifying, quantifying and managing risks.

My favorite chapter is nine, Evaluation of the IT Function. As a consultant who performs such evaluations I thought I knew a thing or two. This chapter sparked some ideas, and the accompanying checklists are worth their weight in gold. Not only is there a comprehensive set of checklists, you are also shown how to assess the results. Contrast this with books (and consultants) who provide findings, but fail to show the root causes of the findings or make valid recommendations based upon them.

Chapters ten, eleven and twelve tie up some loose ends by covering Ranking and Scoring of the evaluations, Determining Value for Money, and Designing IT Surveys for Benefit Measurement. Taken together these three chapters can stand alone as a small book on using quantitative methods to measure IT value. Chapter thirteen addressed project management issues, which were fairly generic, and the authors end the book with a chapter on final thoughts. They include nine appendices, of which the following provide additional value: C - Financial Measurements used in Cost Benefit Analysis (great primer for non-financial types), D- Factor Analysis (advanced techniques for correlating questionnaire responses), E- Sample Sizing Scenarios (how to select sample size using statistical techniques), F through H Questionnaires and associated issues (the questionnaires are more excellent material for consultants and auditors).

This book provides a roadmap to measuring and managing IT benefits. The approach is straightforward and the goals are achievable (although not without a lot of hard work). It also provides many valuable checklists that will serve you well regardless of whether you are intent on implementing a measurement and management program, or are just seeking some techniques to more effectively manage an IT function. I strongly recommend this book to all consultants who perform IT organizational analysis, and members of IT governance committees or program management offices.

First off... if you actually find this book anywhere... *BUY IT!*

Due to major printing screw ups, a very limited number were printed, making books 2 to and 4 of this series rather difficult to find.

The series itself is a true space epic, a Sci Fi space opera par excellance. It blows both Star Trek and Star Wars right out of the water.

In any given century there are writers who define their Genre. In our age such titles have gone to Tolkein for fantasy, King for horror, Clancy, and others. Trowbridge and Smith define the Space Opera.

A DEFINATE must read for anyone who likes good galactic-empire science fiction. Start with Phoenix in Flight, and slog yourself through the first 150 pages (which are SLOW), until the action truly starts... then enjoy!

You can also talk with the authors at their Exordium fan forum on Yahoo.

Never before have I read and heard of such unique characters that made me envy them because of their flaws themselves of all things! I enjoy reading Sherwood Smith's books, the way she writes makes me want to read her books again and again, there's no way to be tired of them.

If you have not yet read a book by Sherwood Smith, or have not yet read ALL of her books, I'm telling you to get a copy of CROWN DUEL, that's the best place to start, then make your way down to COURT DUEL, then the WREN series.

Why doesn't she get more of her books published?!

-Juliette

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! i first read it about six years ago and fell in love with the wonderfully written characters. Now im a twenty year old college student and picking up this book is like going home and revisiting long lost friends of my childhood. I would recomend this series to any age, i dont believe them to be just a "young adults" books. My one wish is to see Sherwood Smith come out with a fourth Wren story.

Wren to the Rescue is about an orphan girl that has always wanted adventure. One day she finds out that her best friend Tess, at the orphanage is really a princess hidding for the evil King Andreus of Senna Lirwan. Who said he would kiddnap the girl, first chance he gets. Tess's parents, the King & Queen of Meldrith finally decide it's safe for Tess to come home (but is it really that safe??). Wren & Tess move to the castle but then..... I'm trying not give a way the ending! Anyway Wren, Tyron a magician in training, and Conner a prince but with no chance of ever getting a kingdom, end up having the adventure of their lives. This story is filled with interesting lands, tons of weird creatures, powerful magic & magicians, and of course bad guys! Also once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down!! Make sure you read... #2 Wren's Quest, and #3 Wren's War after this book! Leah

Quite simply, these books are fabulous! I would recommend them to anyone who has enjoyed the works of Tamora Pierce, Robin McKinley or Gail Carson Levine. Not only is the 'Crown Duel' duet an absolute page-turner, but they are also uniquely written, taking a refreshingly different perspective on the usual 'Medieval with Magic' setting that we all know and love so well. The heroine here - 16 year old Countess Meliara - is so feisty and full of anger but at the same time so wryly humourous and self-depreciating that it is impossible not to like her. Taking the duet to a whole new level however, is the Hero. To name him would be a spoiler for those who have not yet read these (in which case, what are you waiting for?) but he really is so...indescribably...obnoxious, that it is a wonder how Mel refrains from strangling him with her bare hands. Which of course, is why he's so utterly fabulous. Not even Tamora Pierce's Duke Roger can equal him for sheer slipperly sexiness. Sigh...

Anyhow, I would definately count these as some of my favorites, and they now hold a space on my keeper shelf. I await anything and anything else written by this autor with baited breath.

Even though this book is supposedly aimed at a much younger age group (I'm in my mid-30's), I picked it up about a week ago and thoroughly enjoyed reading both it and its sequel, COURT DUEL. Sherwood Smith has the rare ability to write fully realized characters, flaws and all, and interesting action sequences. I wish more authors and screenwriters would acquire this talent. Usually, when I read a book written for this age group, I find myself skimming sections of description or dialogue. That didn't happen with either book. If you enjoy reading fast-paced action and characters who actually develop and grow over the course of a story, get both books. My mother, who is well into her 60's, also enjoyed them very much. I would recommend them for most age groups who enjoy fantasy and action.

Crown Duel is one of my favorite fantasy novels.

The book centers around a poor countess named Meliara, or Mel. She lives in a country called Remalna where humans live side by side forests filled with magical creatures named Hill Folk. Mel and her brother, Bran, make a promise to their father on his deathbed that they will protect the Hill Folk from the evil king, Galdran, who plans on killing all the Hill Folk so that he can cut down all the precious wood in the forests that they inhabite. This promise leads Mel into a war against the king and on an adventure that will change her life forever.

If you are a fantasy lover like me you will of course have read the Tamora Pierce books and the Gail Carson Levine books. I would say that they heroine, Mel, is a mixture of Pierce's Alanna and Levine's Ella. Mel is a charismatic, loveable character. Smith has done an excellent job with her character develptment. She has also made her characters completely believable. The only fault I found with this book is that there was little romance. But don't worry! There's a good amount of it in the sequel, Court Duel.

If you've read the first one, you already know what HAS to happen. I don't want to give too much away, but here's a quick teaser...The Crown War is over, and Meliara and her twin Brannaric are rich. Bran goes to court to learn about government, but Mel, ashamed of her lack of education, stays at home to put things in order and educate herself. She can't hide there forever, though, and pretty soon her brother comes home to drag her to court. With her he brings two surprises...his fiancee, and the Marquis de Shevraeth!

The Marquis challenges Mel to come to court and judge for herself if he is a man she can support as king. When she arrives, she is faced with a completely new set of challenges--learning how to act like a court noble, learning how to navigate the intrigue, and--the most interesting challenge of all--learning WHO sent her that ring, and is writing her those mysterious letters!

Horse races, sword fights, balls, dinners, parties, and other exciting events punctuate Mel's court education, and provide new challenges and plenty of laughs along the way. I loved this book. It was witty, fun, and exciting. The climax was exciting, but I have to say that the resolution seemed rather forced, and had something of a deus ex machina feel to it. Doesn't matter, read it anyway, just for the intrigue and romance. I still recommend this book very highly!

"Court Duel" has it all--magic, intrigue, and romance. It resumes a year after the grand battle against the evil King (Crown Duel) with Meliara, our heroine, back at her ancestral home in Tlanth. She has recieved a puzzling letter from the Marquise of Merindar, the sister of the late king, who wants her to come the Royal court. Shortly afterwards, Meliara's brother, Branaric (Count of Tlanth) pays her an impromptu visit with his fiancee(!) and the infuriatingly elegant Marquis of Shevraeth, who looks like will be the next king of the realm.

Soon, Meliara is swept off to court life, leaving "security and sanity" behind at Tlanth. Even though Meliara, or Mel, would rather lead another revolt than play the gentile court lady, she becomes very popular with the rest of the courtiers. However, court life is not as dandified as it appears. Meliara soon learns that the smiling masks and painted fans conceal jealousy, envy, and ambition. In desperation, Mel writes to a mysterious secret admirer for advice and soon, their correspondence evolve into a courtship.

As the new king prepares to ascend the throne, counter plots are set into action. Before long, Meliara is forced to choose loyalties, either way she will be placed in grave danger....

This is a very worthy novel stylistically because the language was used so expertly that you could almost see the sights and feel exactly what the heroine experienced. I liked how Meliara's courtship with her admirer developped naturally, eg. it wansn't love at first sight which would've marred the tempo of the book. The only fault that I can find with this book is that it was too short! The last bit could be extended a bit. I really can't critize because I'm not a professional critic. Lastly, don't worry about the "Gr.5-8" label on the book because I guarantee you of other age groups will get to love this book as much as I.

I found this book to be an excellent wrap-up from the first. True, the plot is definitely slower than Crown Duel; but it's as fast as it can be, considering that it is held mostly at court.
Meliara is becoming a lady at last; no more horse blankets for her! She starts accepting the opposite sex, and learns very quickly the ways of life at the capital. She also begins to receive gifts from a secret admirer, and turns to him for advice (through letters) after a strange event at court.
The secret admirer does not remain secret for too long, it becomes obvious after a while. Even so, I found myself anticipating the moment when he would declare himself (and a very romantic moment it was, too!)
Things all seem to be going smoothly until the end of the book, when a rival tries to claim the throne. It was one of the only fast-paced parts of the book, but I thought that the story was better without the action of the prequel.
All in all, I found this a satisfying ending to the Crown and Court Duet--Meliara's journey doesn't feel complete without it!

This book was extremely fun to read, Wren is one of my favorite characters created by Sherwood Smith. Even though Crown Duel and Court Duel are my favorites, Wren's Quest is pretty good also. Get them together, it's worth it!

I have wren to the rescue , wren's war , and wren's quest over and over and over. I am an avid reader and I have a good memory for plot lines and stuff, but I just can't help myself! I'm 16 years old and I loved this book . I won't tell you the plot because you need to read it for yourself. I know that you are now thinking that I'm crazy, but I 'm not. this book was EXCELLENT reading and Sherwood Smith is an excellent author.What else can I say, read this book.

Sherwood Smith did a great job making the story line interesting.

She has great ideas on what other people like to read. Most of all the books were a great source of entertainment, and I really liked Wren.

As the second book in the series, this book is full of action and plodding, not to mention plotting on the author's part;)

Read the Wren books, read the Meliara Books!